Geoscience Module 09.01-04: Deserts

Practice questions and answers covering desert definitions, eolian processes, dune varieties, and water-related landforms.

How is an arid climate, or a desert, defined in terms of annual precipitation?

It receives less than $250\,\text{mm/yr}$ precipitation.

What is an example of a rainshadow desert mentioned in the lecture?

Mojave

Which eolian process involves sediment transport where particles move forward in a series of short jumps along arc-shaped paths?

Saltation

What wind erosion process is responsible for the formation of desert pavement by removing loose sand and dust?

Deflation

What are active, crescent-shaped dunes called when their horns point downwind?

Barchans

Which variety of dune is stationary and forms as a result of strong multi-directional winds?

Star dunes

What term refers to a large alluvial apron formed when closely spaced arroyos merge on the desert floor?

Bajada

What is the term for the invasion of desert conditions into non-desert areas, which can be caused by natural changes or human activity?

Desertification